Latest news with #StephenWhite
Forbes
6 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
What Top Happiness Experts Want Leaders To Know About Quiet Quitting
What Top Happiness Experts Want Leaders To Know About Quiet Quitting Leaders keep asking why so many people are disengaged, but they rarely ask what's keeping others happy. To find out why there is such an increase in quiet quitting, it can help to look to the experts for advice. I've interviewed a leader at a brain health center at a top university, a chief happiness officer who once guided Coca-Cola's global wellbeing strategy, a Google executive who reverse-engineered the formula for joy, a CBS news anchor turned positive psychology researcher, and the psychologist who introduced emotional intelligence to the mainstream. Each of them explained something leaders often miss: happiness at work goes beyond being cheerful, because it involves how people interpret stress, process identity, and make decisions when no one's watching. And when people start quietly quitting, the brain has already checked out long before leaders recognize it. How Happiness Affects The Brain And Prevents Quiet Quitting Stephen White, Executive Director of the Brain Performance Institute at the Center for BrainHealth at UT Dallas, told me that happiness activates reward pathways in the brain that boost motivation, attention, and learning. When people feel like their contributions matter, the brain releases dopamine and other neurotransmitters that keep them engaged. But when they feel invisible or powerless, those circuits stop firing. Quiet quitting often begins when the brain no longer anticipates any meaningful return from effort. Stephen said, "You can see it neurologically. When people feel overlooked, they conserve energy. It's the brain protecting itself." Leaders looking to reverse disengagement need to first understand what the brain is reacting to: emotional disconnection, not a lack of skill or ambition. How Happiness Builds Mental Control And Resilience At Work Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X and author of Solve For Happy, told me that workplace happiness depends on whether people believe they have control over their experience. After studying thousands of personal reflections on happiness, he found a pattern: people are happiest when they take ownership of their thoughts. At work, that means recognizing that not every challenge is personal and not every setback is permanent. Mo explained, "If people believe they have no influence, they detach. But if they believe their input can shape an outcome, even a little, they stay engaged." Leaders who create space for questions and reflection are giving people a mental framework for resilience. Why Identity Drives Happiness And Reduces Quiet Quitting Silvia Garcia, former Director of the Coca-Cola Happiness Institute, emphasized that real happiness comes from alignment between work and identity. In our conversation, she explained that people need to feel they are welcome as themselves. When they have to edit their personalities, hide their values, or suppress their style, engagement erodes. Silvia told me, "Belonging is about showing up whole. When that's missing, people protect themselves by withdrawing." Leaders sometimes focus on culture fit or team cohesion without realizing the toll it takes on individuality. The happiest employees often stay because they feel seen, not because they feel praised. How Focus Training Can Improve Happiness And Engagement Michelle Gielan, a former CBS News anchor turned positive psychology researcher, told me that what people are trained to focus on becomes what they experience. In her research, she found that a few minutes of intentional focus on progress, connection, or gratitude dramatically changes a person's emotional baseline. Michelle said, "If your brain is constantly scanning for problems, it will find them. But if you train it to look for meaning and momentum, it builds emotional resilience." For teams, that might mean starting meetings with wins instead of to-do lists or asking better follow-up questions that reflect individual strengths. When I asked Michelle what it's like being married to another happiness researcher, she laughed and said that their arguments are probably not what people would expect. Her husband, Shawn Achor, wrote the bestseller The Happiness Advantage and has also spent years studying how optimism affects performance. Michelle said, "We don't fight about being happy. But we do remind each other that the story we're telling ourselves in the moment might not be true." That concept of reframing the story has been at the center of Shawn's work, which focuses on how to train the brain to interpret challenges as temporary, local, and controllable. Together, their research found that happiness is the presence of meaning and mental agility. How Emotional Intelligence Builds The Foundation For Happiness Daniel Goleman, psychologist and author of Emotional Intelligence, told me that workplace happiness often depends on one overlooked skill: emotional self-awareness. He explained that people can't feel engaged if they don't understand themselves. Goleman shared that mindfulness is a fast and accessible way to build that kind of awareness because it helps people notice their internal reactions without judgment. "When people train their attention," he said, "they become calmer, more focused, and more resilient to stress." He also pointed out that presence is the starting point of empathy, and that leaders who are fully attentive in conversations build trust without needing to overthink it. For organizations, that means happiness grows through everyday moments of connection. What Is A Chief Happiness Officer And Why That Role Is Growing The role of Chief Happiness Officer has gained attention in recent years, not just as a trendy title but as a strategic position focused on emotional well-being at work. These professionals are tasked with helping organizations understand what drives engagement beyond compensation and titles. They look at psychological safety, connection, autonomy, and culture from a human perspective. Silvia Garcia, who held this role globally at Coca-Cola, told me the most important part is aligning people's experience with the values the company claims to stand for. More companies are realizing that tracking performance metrics isn't enough. They need someone at the table who understands how emotions affect decision-making, collaboration, and retention. Happiness has become more measurable, and Chief Happiness Officers are being asked to prove what works. Conclusion: Happiness At Work Happiness in the workplace grows from how people are treated, how they interpret challenges, and whether their daily experience aligns with what they value most. The experts I spoke with showed that quiet quitting can be prevented long before it starts if leaders understand the psychology and neuroscience behind motivation. Happy employees stem from environments that protect their attention, recognize their identity, and support their sense of control. That kind of culture is what keeps people thinking, contributing, and staying.
Finextra
03-06-2025
- Business
- Finextra
ANZ hires Stephen White to run group operations
ANZ today announced the appointment of Stephen White as Group Executive Operations, reporting to Chief Executive Officer Nuno Matos. 0 Stephen has extensive operations experience and joins from Santander UK where he has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2022. Prior to this, Stephen held senior leadership roles at Yorkshire Building Society, AIB Group and National Australia Bank in both the UK and Australia. In this new role, Stephen will be a member of the Group's Executive Committee and accountable for ANZ's group-wide operations function. This includes banking services and its group capability centres as well as ANZ's property and procurement teams. Commenting on the appointment Mr Matos said: 'I'm very pleased to appoint a world-class executive of Stephen's calibre to this critical role that will help drive consistency and predictability across ANZ. This is particularly important as we strengthen our non-financial risk capability. 'Stephen has a proven track record in transforming the operations of large complex businesses and I know he will make a valuable contribution for our customers, shareholders and employees as we unlock the next phase of our growth,' Mr Matos said. Mr White will join ANZ in November 2025, based in Melbourne.
ME Construction
30-04-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
2025 Construction Machinery Middle East Awards opens for nominations
Industry News 2025 Construction Machinery Middle East Awards opens for nominations By Nominations are now open in categories across technology, operational performance, and leadership within the heavy equipment and machinery sectors Nominations have officially opened for the highly anticipated Construction Machinery Middle East (CMME) Awards 2025, which are scheduled to take place on 25 June at the prestigious Ritz Carlton JBR in Dubai. This prominent industry event will celebrate outstanding achievements in technology, operational performance, and leadership within the heavy equipment and machinery sectors across the region. Organised by Construction Machinery ME magazine, the CMME Awards have emerged as a landmark event for industry professionals, acknowledging significant advancements and contributions in construction machinery. This year's ceremony promises to deliver a unique and engaging experience for attendees. The awards cover a diverse range of specially judged categories, recognising excellence among equipment rental specialists, distributors, lifting and crane manufacturers, road-making equipment providers, and access and handling innovators. The extensive range of categories underscores the event's commitment to highlighting and empowering contributors across the industry's spectrum. Stephen White, Head of Content at Construction Machinery Middle East, highlighted the awards' relevance, stating, 'This year's CMME Awards will not only celebrate the best in technology, services, operations and mobilisation but also reflect the rapid changes shaping our industry. With more categories, a robust judging process, we're ensuring that excellence is recognised at every level.' Nominees will benefit from regional and international recognition, further amplified by a comprehensive marketing campaign across major social media platforms. The event itself is set to attract a diverse audience of manufacturers, dealers, rental companies, and construction professionals from around the Middle East, providing an exceptional platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and future collaborations. Industry stakeholders are encouraged to submit nominations by the 30 May 2025 deadline. Interested participants can find further details and nomination forms at Construction Machinery ME continues to provide vital insights, news, and analyses on the latest industry trends and developments, reinforcing its position as a leading voice in the regional construction machinery sector.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Six events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day across Cumbria
EVENTS marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day will be staged in communities across Cumbria. VE Day, also known as Victory in Europe Day, commemorates the end of the Second World War in Europe. On May 7th, Germany signed a surrender officially ending the war. The following day was declared VE day as people celebrated the end of the fighting with street parties. From historical talks, afternoon tea and community celebrations, residents across Cumbria are invited to come together to celebrate the 80th anniversary in British history. READ MORE: Huge turnout at Egremont Castle for Easter Sunday event The News & Star have picked out six events scheduled to take place: Carlisle Cathedral Carlisle Cathedral has announced a special service of Choral Evensong. It will conclude with the ringing of the cathedral bells from 6.30pm as part of the national 'Ring Out In Celebration' which will mirror that moment, in 1945, when bells rang out across Britain as the nation took to the streets in celebration of Victory in Europe Day. The service is free to attend and will begin on Thursday, May 8th at 5:45pm. Houghton Village Hall Houghton Village Hall is hosting a VE Day party on Sunday, May 4th from 12pm until 4pm. The hall and green are set to be 'transformed' with activities such as tombola, inflatables, stalls and a bar. There will also be indoor refreshments with coffee and cake. They are asking people to dress in their best World War Two-themed outfits. READ MORE: Carlisle knitting group call for help with 'something special' for VE Day Cumwhinton Village Community Hall Cumwhinton Village Community Hall is hosting a VE Day coffee morning on Saturday, May 3rd. Staff and pupils from Cumwhinton Primary School will be baking goodies to sell on the day and there will also be a raffle to raise money for the village hall. Currock Community Centre From 1:15pm until 3pm on Thursday, May 8th, Currock Community Centre in Carlisle will be hosting a free history talk with Cumbrian author, Stephen White. There will be an afternoon tea buffet and the group is hoping veterans from World War Two will be able to join them. Those interested are asked to book by emailing info@ or calling 01228 591868. Longtown Community Centre Longtown Community Centre are holding a free event for all of their local residents. On Thursday, May 8th from 2pm until 4pm they will be serving cream tea and refreshments provided by Arthuret Parish Council. There will also be a display of World War Two memorabilia open until 9pm. The event is free but booking is required for refreshments on 01228 791876 or info@ Cumberland Council Cumberland Council will be lighting up its main buildings in red (and where possible, red, white, and blue) and flying the Union Flag to mark the occasion.
The Independent
01-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
VAT on private school fees is ‘wrong tax', says father in legal challenge
Putting VAT on private school fees is a 'wrong tax', one of the parents taking legal action against the Government has said. Several private schools, children who attend them and their parents are bringing legal action against the Treasury, claiming the policy of applying VAT to fees is discriminatory and unlawful. This includes children and families at faith-based schools, and families who have sent their children with special educational needs (SEN) to private school. The Treasury is defending the challenges, with HMRC and the Department for Education (DfE) also taking part. Father of six Stephen White, whose eldest four children are at Bradford Christian School, a private Christian school in West Yorkshire, is one of the people bringing the challenge at the High Court in London. Speaking outside of the Royal Courts of Justice, Mr White said the policy was a 'wrong tax'. He said: 'I would think that this is morally wrong whether I was affected by it or not. 'I think it is wrong to tax the education of children, full stop, so I would disagree with it, but it does affect us personally.' The High Court in London was told that Mr White and his family have made 'great sacrifices' to move close to the school and meet the fees. Outside the court, the self-employed father said that 'everyone makes sacrifices' at the school his children attend. He continued: 'Every single teacher at our school would make more money at the poorest job in a state school, or they make a sacrifice to teach there. We all make a sacrifice to send them there, and it's wrong, because we're actually saving the state a load of money. 'Every child that we send to our private school means this government doesn't have to pay anything for their education. We pay it all and we're happy to pay it, we just don't think we should pay extra taxation on top of the good things we're already doing.' Mr White's 14-year-old son Josiah, who is also part of the legal challenge, is due to take his GCSEs next year but may need to drop some subjects if he has to leave his school due to the VAT policy, the court was also told. Mr White said: 'If we can't afford to send them to Bradford Christian School next year, we will have to home educate, because my convictions don't allow me to send them to a state school, and so that would have an effect on his education, which is why he's a named claimant in this case, because he's going to be directly affected if this law carries on.' Sir James Eadie KC, representing the Treasury, HMRC and the DfE, said in written submissions for the three-day hearing that parents who opt out of the state education system 'are free to choose any private education for their child that they can afford, or to educate their child at home'. Sir James later said that the obligation to respect the religious convictions of parents is not impacted by the VAT policy. He continued: 'The existence of such convictions does not require the state to finance an education system to comply with such convictions, still less to refrain from taxing the provision of that or any private education.' The hearing before Dame Victoria Sharp, Lord Justice Newey and Mr Justice Chamberlain is due to conclude on Thursday with a decision expected at a later date.
